BattlefieldsSilures Overrun Roman Cohort 51-52 AD
Roman Period

Silures Overrun Roman Cohort 51-52 AD

51
Wales
Also known as: Silures destroy auxiliary cohort 51 AD
Era
Roman Period
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Rome
Forces
Roman cohort (auxiliary): c. 400–600.
VS
Victor
Silures
Forces
Silures: c. 1,500–2,500
Outcome
Auxiliary cohort destroyed; survivors scattered; Roman general Scapula reportedly broken by the news
The Battle

History & Significance

Tacitus records that the Silures destroyed an auxiliary cohort that had been left to build a fort. This was part of a sustained Silurian offensive that Tacitus describes as almost war-like in its ferocity. The psychological impact on Ostorius Scapula was severe — Tacitus implies his death from exhaustion and despair followed shortly after.

Casualties & Losses

Entire auxiliary cohort destroyed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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